asked the Minister of Health if he will state the number of operations performed in the Ipswich and East Suffolk Hospital during the last known 12 months' period, and the corresponding period 10 years ago.

The number of operations performed was 12,371 in the year ended 31st December, 1963, and 8,572 in the year ended 31st December, 1953.

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply, which shows that there has been a 50 per cent. increase in the number of operations and there are now more surgeons and nurses at the hospital. Is not my hon. Friend rather alarmed that all these operations have to be carried out in two operating theatres, one of which is sub-standard, and that so far his Ministry has done nothing towards making a grant of about £50,000 to put these in good order? Although we know that a new hospital has been promised tome years ahead, this is an urgent matter.

I do not think that my hon. and gallant Friend should jump to the conclusion that we are unable to help. Recent proposals by the regional hospital board for improvements to the operating facilities at this hospital, together with other improvements, are under discussion with the board. In fact, I can tell my hon. and gallant Friend that the board is having discussions today with the hospital management committee and the medical staff at Ipswich to discuss possible schemes costing a moderate amount pending the building of the proposed new hospital.